Dr Mohammad Tanvir, JKAS, Chief Executive Officer, Poonch Development Authority talks to The News Now about Poonch district, believed to have got its ancient name ‘Pulast’ from Maharishi Pulastya, grandfather of Ravana. In this excerpt, he shares upcoming developments and initiatives to make the most of its tourism potential. Read On.
- Please tell us about Poonch Development Authority.
The Poonch Development Authority came into existence on 27th September 2005 vide Govt. Order No. 209-TSM of 2005 to develop the tourism potential of the district.
District Poonch, the place of Rishis and Munis since the epic age, has some of the important Hindu, Muslim and Sikh shrines with deep religious background such as Ziarat Sain Miran Baksh, Ziarat Allahi Baksh, Ziarat Chottey Shah, Ziarat Than Pir, Dana Shah Satar; Shri Dashnami Akhara Mandir, Shri Buddha Amar Nath Temple, Ram Kund temple; Gurudwara Dera Nangali Sahib, and Gurudwara Dheri Sahib. Besides usual visit of local pilgrims, there is great rush during special occasions such as Urs, Amarnath Yatra, Basakhi and so on.
The distinct heritage of the district includes marvellous old palaces, forts, bowlis with inscriptions and idols of pre-historic times. One can find Mughal constructions alongside the Mughal Road like Marh at Rattan Pir, Sheesh Mahal, Poonch Fort, Remnants of Mughal ruler Jehangir and NoorJahan at Noori Chammb, ruins of Baradari at Chandimarh, Gouh Gaddian near Poshana and Aliabaad Sarai, etc. The unique cuisines and melodious folklores are some of the important characteristic of the heritage of Poonch region.
It has the most beautiful natural spots. Located in the foothills of Pir Panjal Range, there are series of mountain ranges with snow covered lofty peaks, thick belts of forests on the slopes, beautiful valleys, gushing streams, lush green pastures with multicoloured flowers, milky waterfalls and crystal clear lakes. Some of the scenic tourism destinations are Noori Chammb, Sawajian, Loran, Valley of Seven Lakes, Dhoks with colorful Tribal life, Noor Pur Pass, Jamia Pass, Choti Gali Pass, Pir Gali Pass, Bimber Gali, Dera-Ki-Gali, Tota Wali Gali, Dana Shah Star Top, Krishna Ghati, Jabi Toti, Nandi Chool, Sankh Doda, Jammu Shaheed, Prithpal Peak, Gajna Pahari and Than Pir. With the opening of Mughal Road and Poonch Rawalkote road across LOC, these destinations are getting a lot more tourist footfall.
Bounded by the Line of Control (LoC) from three sides, it also has a Cross LoC Trade Center called Chakkan Da Bagh.
Since its inception, PDA has created a number of tourism assets and infrastructures while some of the projects are in progress for completion. The assets completed till date are wayside amenity at Takia Sharief Bandichachian; waiting hall/additional accommodation for pilgrims at Batalkote Loran; Tourist Reception Centres at Poonch, Surankote, Mendhar; Cafeteria at BG Kallar, Loran, TRC Poonch, Jallian (Azmabad), Chakkan Da Bagh, Noori Chammb; Hut at Gali Pindi; Development of Noori Chammb as tourist park; Tourist Arrival Centre at Gurudwara Nangali Sahib, Shri Buddha Amar Nath ji.
- How do you plan to attract tourists to this destination circuit post COVID19?
Due to COVID19 pandemic, local as well as domestic tourist footfall has been adversely affected. Not only that, the pilgrimages to major shrines have been called off or restricted. But gradually, we are opening up. To attract tourists while adhering to COVID norms, we are planning to publicize the hidden and unexplored destinations, and offer discounts at PDA assets.
- What are the upcoming infrastructural developments in Poonch
In view of the huge scope of tourism in Poonch, PDA has taken several steps for improving the infrastructure for tourists. Some of the ongoing works in Poonch this year are Development of Ziyarat Rehlan Gohlad, Wazu khana at Ziyarat Shareef Main Charag Alam Badshah Qasab, Ziyarat Peer Chande Shah Badshah at Bhatadhurian, Ziyarat Pamoate Peer Mattoo Shah; Tourist Arrival Centre at Ziyarat Sain Miran Sahib; Children Park near Mendhar Town; Tourist Parks at Gallian Danna Near BSF Post, Pond at Khorinar, Narian Sawjian, Danna Shastar, Sultan patri, Ajote War Memorial, Hanuman Temple, Gali Pindi/Salonia/Sankh Daoda/Noorpur; Construction of View Points along the Mughal Road, BG road, and in Poonch City; Up-gradation of cafeteria at Chakan Da Bagh; Construction of Cafeteria and public conveniences along the Mughal Road.
Moreover, two projects have been submitted to the Administrative Department for sanctioning, which are Development of Religious Circuit (Rs. 4836.67 Lakhs), and Development of Adventure/Scenic Circuit (Rs. 5481.51Lakhs) in the district.
Also, for development of heritage tourism, proposals have been submitted to the Culture Department regarding Poonch Fort repair and renovation; Sheesh Mahal, Town Hall Building Poonch, Moti Mahal, Baldev Mahal, Nazamudin Masjid, Ruins of Pandav Mahal Mendhar, Ram Kund Temple, Mughal Bowli at BG, Kote at Surankote, and Prithpal peak.
To up the adventure tourism quotient, new trekking routes have been proposed namely, Loran to Nandichool (7 km), Sawajian to Seri Magiana (12 km), Peer-Ki-Gali to Seven Lakes and adjoining pastures (more than 13 km), Chandimarh to Ganga Choti (18 km), Narian to Magiana Seri, Anganpatri (approx 8 km), Loran to Tosh Madian (approx 2.5 km).
Further, a letter has been communicated to Director Tourism, Jammu for directing Cable Car Corporation, Jammu for preparation of DPR for Ropeway from Narian to Magiana Seri (approx 5 km), Loran to Tosh Madian (approx 2.5 km).
- An alternate approach to tourism, Eco-Tourism, is being hailed as a Comprehensive policy. How is PDA going about it?
A significant area of Poonch District is under the jurisdiction of Forest Department, having the potential to be promoted and developed as eco-tourism sites. Dehri Ki Gali, Sawjian, Loran, Sultanpatri, Noori Chammb, Jabbi toti, Seven Lakes are such sites. We are considering developing the trekking routes through forests, valleys, meadows, etc, construction of eco-friendly tourist huts, walking path and viewpoints.
- What tourism activities are we looking forward this year in Poonch?
PDA has proposed trekking expedition to Nandi Chool, Jabbi toti, Seri Magian, Anganpatri as part of efforts to promote nature and adventure tourism; Bike rally/Cycle rally from BG to Poonch via Mendhar LOC for promotion of border tourism, besides exploration of unexplored tourist spots. Additionally, preparation of a Documentary, hoardings of prominent tourist spots of the district and pamphlets on spiritual tourism and adventure tourism are also under consideration.
Also: Read my article at The News Now
PDA to publicize hidden and unexplored destinations to woo tourists: CEO Mohd Tanvir
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